Why did Alexander Hamilton support the Constitution?

• A strong government prevented people from having too much freedom.
• A small executive branch made it easier for one person to convince people around them to act.
• A smaller executive branch made it easier for people to keep an eye on who was running the government.
• A strong government encouraged disagreements and debate.

1 answer

Alexander Hamilton supported the Constitution primarily because he believed in the necessity of a strong central government to maintain order, provide for national defense, and promote economic stability. Among the options provided, none exactly captures Hamilton's reasoning accurately, but the closest interpretation is:

  • A strong government prevented people from having too much freedom.

Hamilton feared that without a powerful federal government, the country would be susceptible to chaos and disorder. He believed that the Articles of Confederation were too weak to effectively govern the nation, and that a robust government was essential to ensure the rights of citizens and create a sustainable economy. He argued that a certain level of governmental authority was necessary to prevent factions and protect the nation as a whole.